Fra Angelico's Restored Fiesole Altarpiece Returns to Its Church Home

A celebrated Renaissance artwork, meticulously restored, has found its way back to its original sacred dwelling. Fra Angelico's Fiesole Altarpiece, crafted between 1420 and 1423, has been returned to the Church of San Domenico, located north of Florence, a place where the artist himself once lived as a Dominican friar. Born Guido di Pietro around 1395 in Tuscany, he later became known as Fra Giovanni di Fiesole upon joining the Dominican order, and posthumously as Fra Angelico, or "angelic brother." The esteemed Renaissance art historian Giorgio Vasari once marveled at the artist's ability, noting his devout nature, often praying before painting and weeping while depicting the Crucifixion.

The Fiesole Altarpiece, a seminal piece of the Early Florentine Renaissance, portrays the enthroned Virgin and Child, encircled by eight adoring angels, alongside figures like St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Barnabas, St. Dominic, and St. Peter Martyr. Commissioned by the affluent Florentine merchant Barnaba degli Agli, the altarpiece was initially conceived as a triptych. However, in 1501, it was reconfigured into a single, square panel by the artist Lorenzo di Credi, who updated its aesthetic to align with contemporary Renaissance styles, replacing its original gold background with classical architectural elements that reveal a landscape beyond.

Throughout the 19th century, the artwork endured further alterations, with its original predella section separated and now housed in London's National Gallery. Smaller saint figures from its side pilasters were also dispersed through the antiques market. The recent extensive restoration of the altarpiece was generously supported by the US-based organization, Friends of Florence. Daniele Rossi led the restoration of the painted surface, while Roberto Buda meticulously reconstructed the wooden framework. Their work, supervised by the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for Florence and Prato, involved removing past structural interventions, repairing the wooden planks, and creating a new, more adaptable support system. Rossi's efforts on the painted surface included cleaning oxidized varnish, correcting old retouches, and integrating additions, ultimately re-establishing the vibrant colors and detailed gilding characteristic of Fra Angelico's artistry. This masterpiece was a central focus of the "Fra Angelico" exhibition, held at the Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi and the Museo di San Marco, which concluded earlier this year. This significant retrospective, featuring over 140 works from numerous lenders, marked the largest presentation of the artist's work since 1955.

The return of the Fiesole Altarpiece to its original sacred space highlights the enduring power of art to connect generations and preserve cultural heritage. This meticulous restoration not only brings renewed vibrancy to a historical masterpiece but also serves as an inspiring testament to the dedication of conservators and patrons who ensure that artistic legacies continue to enrich and enlighten us, fostering a deeper appreciation for the past and inspiring future creative endeavors.